Category: Trade

Sept 1, 2008 (LBO) – The European Union (EU) could renew Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade concessions but then put pressure on the government to improve its human rights record, a US trade law expert said Monday. Access to European markets is also important at a time when exports to the US are slowing down. “I’d […]

Aug 18, 2008 (LBO) – Consumer goods manufacturer Unilever Sri Lanka’s unconventional sales campaign for AXE men’s deodorant has already increased sales by 25 percent, the company said. Unilever hopes to enlarge its AXE footprint in Sri Lanka by distributing products to smaller shops and groceries. The deodorants come in two sizes and sales depend […]

Aug 12, 2008 (LBO) – Household goods retailer Brown & Company plans to import and promote energy efficient electrical items from India to meet growing demand in Sri Lanka where electricity costs are among the highest in the region. Brown & Company has signed an agreement with Indian electrical appliance manufacturer Havells to import energy […]

Aug 07, 2008 (LBO) – A Sri Lankan business chamber has said the proposed new trade deal with India would give businesses an opportunity to penetrate the rapidly expanding Indian market and offer protection against trade barriers.The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said it welcomes the expansion of the current Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India […]

July 22, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lankan proponents of a new trade and investment treaty with India say the island should go ahead with the deal as it gives access to a fast-growing economy with a huge market. Mano Selvanathan, president of the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says safeguards built into the proposed […]

July 17, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lankan industrialists and professionals have appealed to the government not to sign a new trade pact with neighbouring India, due to fears that their market shares would be cut without reciprocal access being given to the larger country. “We have to be extremely cautious when signing an agreement of […]

June 25, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s international gem and jewellery trade show ‘Facets Sri Lanka’, a key annual event that helps increase the island’s gem exports, is to be held in September this year, its organizers said. A new feature at this year’s show will be competitions to recognize the best gem cutter, best […]

June 24, 2008 (LBO) – Business promotion missions to Iran and Pakistan organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) have resulted in several contract agreements and confirmed orders for Sri Lankan companies with others under negotiation. The CCC said in a statement it was now doing a study to explore possibilities of leading two […]

June 19, 2008 (LBO) – A top Sri Lankan fruit and vegetables exporter which is pushing commercial agriculture in the poorest areas of the island says a withdrawal of European trade concessions would hit the high value agro export sector. The group also exports Spanish peppers, silver-skin onions as well as other fruits and vegetables […]

June 16, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s exports grew 14.7 percent helped by strong prices for tea, while apparel exports grew by a slow 5.3 percent and the trade deficit expanded 92 percent on higher oil and capital goods imports, official data showed. The Central Bank said April export earnings increased 14.7 percent to 610 […]